Alright, let's dive deep into the Xiaomi Poco M5 and Redmi Note 12S. These two phones, while both from Xiaomi, offer different strengths and cater to slightly different needs. As always, I'm not just going to rattle off specs, but explain what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M5 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm, 201g | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm, 176g | The Redmi Note 12S is noticeably smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around. The Poco M5 is slightly bulkier. |
| Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Redmi Note 12S offers better protection against scratches and minor drops. The Poco M5 screen protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.58" | 6.43" | The Poco M5 offers a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption and gaming. However, the difference is minimal. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both phones have sharp and crisp displays at FHD+ resolutions, with pixel densities being very similar. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Redmi Note 12S has a superior display with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, better contrast, and better power efficiency, especially for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations with a 90Hz refresh rate, a good jump from standard 60Hz panels. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | The Redmi Note 12S has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight compared to the Poco M5. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Poco M5's Helio G99 is more power-efficient due to its 6nm architecture. While benchmarks are similar, the G99 should offer slightly better battery life and sustained performance in the long run. |
| AnTuTu Score | 414,500 | 412,400 | Performance is nearly identical on both devices, indicating smooth day-to-day performance and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Identical GPUs indicate similar graphics rendering capabilities, meaning the gaming experience will be very similar on both. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.52" | The Redmi Note 12S has a significantly higher resolution and larger sensor, allowing for more detailed photos, better low-light performance and more impressive image quality overall. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Redmi Note 12S provides much better selfies with higher resolution and the wider aperture on the Poco M5 doesn't make a significant difference. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Redmi Note 12S has the advantage of a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Poco M5 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode shots with more refined background blur. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have identical macro cameras, which should offer similar performance for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | Both capture good-quality videos, but the Redmi Note 12S edges out with the added slow-motion capability. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Poco M5 has additional capabilities like 4K video recording and more advanced focusing features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, providing a full day of usage with moderate usage patterns. |
| Charging | 18W | 33W | The Redmi Note 12S charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to full power quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Redmi Note 12S also has reverse charging, which is useful if you need to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 13 | The Redmi Note 12S ships with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar WiFi standards with dual-band, hotspot, direct and display functionalities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 LE | 5.2 LE | The Poco M5 uses a slightly newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Redmi Note 12S has an optional 256GB storage model, giving you more space for apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | The Redmi Note 12S offers a higher memory option at 8GB, enabling better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the storage you need when buying. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi Note 12S delivers far more immersive and high-quality audio than the Poco M5 with Hi-Res Audio and dedicated stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer secure biometric fingerprint unlock via side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco M5 additionally features Proximity sensor. The Redmi Note 12S has a Gyroscope for better gaming and an Ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor |
2. Key Insights
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Strengths: The Poco M5 excels in having a newer, more power-efficient chipset which should provide better battery life than the Redmi Note 12S.
- Advantages: It offers a slightly larger screen size for media consumption. The main camera provides good-quality 4K video recording.
- Trade-offs: Its IPS LCD screen is not as vibrant and power-efficient as the AMOLED on the Redmi Note 12S. The design is bulkier and heavier. It lacks some of the advanced features such as reverse charging and stereo speakers.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Strengths: The Redmi Note 12S wins in display technology, with its bright, vibrant AMOLED panel. It offers a much better main camera and selfie camera. The device also has faster charging capabilities and hi-res audio support through stereo speakers, which significantly enhance the multimedia experience.
- Advantages: The device has a superior and more comfortable design with a smaller and lighter form factor. The camera setup is more versatile with a wide-angle lens and better low-light capability.
- Trade-offs: Its chipset, while offering similar day-to-day performance, is less power-efficient.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M5:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize battery life and a larger screen on a budget. Ideal for those who don't need a high-end display but still want a decent-performing device for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Use Cases: Long hours of browsing, social media use, and moderate gaming. The 4K video capabilities are beneficial for those who record videos often.
- Price-to-Value: An affordable option for those looking for a solid, long-lasting smartphone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize display quality, camera performance, and fast charging. It's great for media consumers who appreciate vibrant colors and clear, crisp audio.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, frequent media watchers, and users who want a premium multimedia experience. The fast charging capabilities are also ideal for those on the go.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a more premium feature set at a moderate price point. It delivers better features across the board, making it a more future-proof option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your choice:
- How important is display quality to you?
- If you value vibrant colors and deep blacks, the Redmi Note 12S's AMOLED is the clear winner.
- How important is charging speed and audio quality?
- If fast charging and better audio are important, the Redmi Note 12S provides the best experience.
- Are you looking for the maximum battery life?
- If battery life is paramount and a slightly larger screen is preferred, then the Poco M5 may be a better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: The Poco M5 provides excellent battery life and good performance on a budget.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: The Redmi Note 12S is the best choice due to its superior AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and better camera quality.
- On-the-Go Professional: The Redmi Note 12S wins thanks to its fast charging, comfortable design, and good camera setup.
My Choice and Why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12S. Here's why:
The AMOLED display is a game-changer for me. The difference in color vibrancy, contrast, and deep blacks compared to the IPS LCD is significant, especially for watching videos and browsing images. The 108MP camera also stands out providing much better image quality than the 50MP sensor on the Poco M5. The added flexibility of a wide-angle lens is also something that I would make great use of. Additionally, the faster 33W charging is a massive benefit, significantly reducing the amount of time spent tethered to a charger.
While the Poco M5's Helio G99 chipset and battery life are commendable, the benefits of the Redmi Note 12S, in terms of display and camera quality, makes it a better fit for me. The more premium features, including the stereo speakers and better build, also make the Redmi Note 12S a more appealing choice.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your needs. If battery life is your top priority, then the Poco M5 is a good choice. But for a balance of features, premium experience and camera quality, the Redmi Note 12S is the clear winner.
